Right now, at present moment, there are four different versions of the Batman Lego mini figure. Soon that will change. In early 2012 Lego and DC Universe will release the newest sets in the Super Heroes line. There will also be sets for Marvel characters rumored to include Wolverine, Hulk and Captain America. Needless to say, even those who are not in to Lego are looking forward to these sets because of the comic connection. My geeky comic loving friends were lured into the world of Lego with some of the Batman and Spider-Man themed sets but I can almost guarantee that when the sets are released my phone will be ringing non-stop. I've seen some of the previews of the new mini figures as well as the revamped existing figures; all look interesting but the larger sets will have to wait for a price drop.

So why dote on the sets that aren't even released yet? Because this is a continuation of an existing theme, there are going to be new versions of mini figures released with the sets. If you are dead set on getting the older ones from previous sets you might want to wait until the new ones are released so the demand for the older ones dies off for a couple months. All of the Batman figures are well done but there are some that are definitely better for certain scenes. Those who prefer the classic Batman look will want to get this specific mini figure; the simple oval with Batman logo in the middle is a timeless classic that will forever be associated with the television show and comic book series. But what makes this a sweet pick?

Availability plays a big part in it. This was available in three sets so there are more of them on the open market than something that was online in one set. You can find this in the following sets: Two-Face's Escape [Lego 7781, $30.00], my beloved Arkham Asylum [Lego 7785, $80.00] and The Penguin And Mr. Freeze's Invasion [Lego 7783, $90.00]. Even though none of the sets are cheap they were marked down because they were slow sellers. Without knowing the fate of the theme people were hesitant to invest in the larger sets. If you got those at a 25% - 45% discount you got a gooddeal but without knowing exactly will be released with the next way it remains to be seen if these sets are going to be completely compatible.

This is the only Lego Batman mini figure to date that is done in the all-black design. The others have gray bodies. That does make this look nicer but you are sacrificing some of the stenciled detail too. Granted the bronze logo and utility belt look amazing against the glossy black frame but the abs are pretty basic. The bat sculpted helmet is magnificent but it goes without saying that it needs to be protected when not in use. I've never had problems with this specific one but others have cracked. That could be from a cheaper plastic being used or just a weak spot. One thing I do not like about the mask is the cut out area for the mouth. It's too blocky and needs to be either flush against the face peg or have more of a rounded corner design to it. One perk is the eye section; this is not a see through design so the eyes appear as white instead of being hollowed out so you see the head peg. This was standard on all of the Lego Batman mask pieces.

Because there are four designs, so far, you need to make sure that you are getting the exact mini figure that you want if you are buying online. That includes getting the bagwing inspired scalloped cape and not a general cloth cape. Prices on this specific version of Batman are in the ten dollar range with the cape, cowl and batarang. If it is just the figure with the cape and cowl then shave off a dollar. The individual bat styled boomerangs [batarangs] are about a dollar each but you can get them for less if you buy them in bulk. While it isn't a necessity to have any Batman mini figure posed with one of these, it does give him a nicer look. Since each of the sets that have this specific Batman have three batarangs in there, there's no reason for someone to sell one without them.

I am really looking forward to the new DC and Marvel inspired Lego sets; the people who are strictly into comics are going to dip their toes into the world of Lego and the hard core brick lovers are going to get to mingle with some super heroes. This version of Batman is definitely worth getting for a collection and looks great if you are doing your own GothamCity - especially if you are going with a darker tone. It is something that is instantly recognizable. If you have a Batman or Lego lover in your midst, this makes for a great stocking stuffer too so keep that in mind when you are swooping from store to store looking for deals and steals.